le foglie ridenti

laughter in the leaves

eco-friendly farmhouse

Le Marche, Italy

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We arrived in the dark, snow on the verges and lights twinkling in all the little hillside villages, to be greeted by porcupines cavorting in our head lights. Our welcome was second to none with local wine and food at this warm and magical family home.
Waking at dawn, double thickness duvet, to views to die for of the snow covered Sibillini mountains and national park from one window, and Macerata and Colmurano from another... and olive groves and vineyards and a heavenly rural scene. The house occupies a vantage point hugging the hillside on three levels, traditionally restored to high standards by the owners and a team of dedicated local craftsmen with love and natural materials. Underfloor heating, you won't need your slippers, ensures no chilly mornings after your shower with endless hot water. Out every morning to visit cantinas to sample the local cotto wine and explore monastaries and Roman ruins, cathedrals and wonderful restaurants. Spent far too much money in the factory outlet shops at Civitanova where Russell and Bromley source their goods and walked on the breathtaking pebble beaches of the Adriatic coast, so close.
An unforgettable Christmas dinner, spent with our hosts, their two shining-faced daughters in their princess dresses, was only surpassed by the New Year fireworks viewed from the kitchen window, all the villages in the valley competing with each other.
Hosts, Saranne and Graham are full of local knowledge and belong to the fabric of this rural community with their roots firmly planted in the soil, growing organic grapes and olives and an extensive kitchen garden. We sampled their own olive oil and walnuts. Ferdinando, who helps with the olive harvest made us real pizza in the pizza oven, eaten with beer! It's hard to find fault here... after all it was our second honeymoon. Thank you Saranne and Graham. I will hold the memories of our special time with you close to my heart always and hope to return one day soon.

"My stay at Le foglie ridenti" by June L. Date of stay: July 2012

I fell in love with Le foglie ridenti before I even arrived at the farmhouse. Approaching down a winding “strada bianca” with an avenue of impressively ancient oak trees, we emerged at the house to confront one of the most breathtakingly beautiful rural views I have ever seen. The panorama is bestrewn with vines, olives, sunflowers, fields of corn, mysterious woods and secluded farmhouses while the outlines of church campanili rise above the villages perched on the hill tops. In the distance the Sibillini mountain range, with its beautiful lakes, beckons. The peace is absolute, broken only by the sound of birds and crickets, an occasional farmer with his tractor, a shepherd with his sheep, or the braying of a donkey – and, of course, on Sundays the distant sound of church bells.
The house stands proudly above a large olive grove nestling on the hillside, where one can escape to relax with a book, or paints, or simply to lie in the sun and dream. The farmhouse itself is very old with a long and interesting history but has been lovingly and sensitively renovated and converted into two self-contained homes that manage to retain the character and quirkiness of the old working farmhouse. Graham, Saranne and their family live in the lower house. They are enthusiastic, warm and welcoming hosts, keen to share their knowledge of the area and ready, with notice, to cook you a delicious meal with local wines. Within a short drive, surrounding towns also offer plenty of restaurants providing superb local dishes. The warm, blue sea of the Adriatic coast is visible from the hilltop and its beaches are only 30mins away. The villages have their own distinct treasures: Urbisaglia fascinates with its castle, two Roman amphitheatres and 12th century Cistercian Abbey, whilst two churches in San Ginesio contain 14th and 15th century frescoes, some from the school of Giotto. Throughout summer, villages compete fiercely to promote the best festivals including those celebrating theatre, food, music, dance and even honey. In July, the nearby village of Colmurano hosts a street festival, packing its squares with hundreds of happy families on four magical nights. Tolentino is c. 5 miles away and Macarata not much further: an old university town with an open air arena where every summer opera and ballet are performed at a prestigious Music Festival. With peace and quiet in abundance but entertainment to suit everyone I most highly recommend this farmhouse.

Saranne and Graham are friends I`ve been planning to visit for some years. How great to find both brimming with enthusiasm for and love of the house and its wonderful setting - as described by others . And burning with a desire to share this with anyone looking for that off-the-beaten-path experience they can offer. Saranne will mainly introduce you to the culture of the area, as well as smoothing your path if your Italian isn`t up to snuff; Graham will fire you up with his passion for and deep knowledge of all aspects of viticulture, as well as his total commitment to green living and his projects to ensure green principles rule! (Le Marche is also stunningly green - the colour.)
If you have anything about you and you want to get out there and get involved, this is the place, these are the people for you!!